Mobile Barrier

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No.14/177,097, filed on Feb. 10, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,273,437, whichis a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/686,756, filed on Nov. 27, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,657,525, whichis a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/347,467, filed on Dec. 31, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,322,945. Thepresent application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/061,567, filed Jun. 13, 2008, entitled “MOBILE BARRIER”, and61/091,246, filed Aug. 22, 2008, entitled “MOBILE BARRIER”, and61/122,941, filed Dec. 16, 2008, entitled “MOBILE BARRIER” each of whichis incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of trailers andother types of barriers used to shield road construction workers fromtraffic. More specifically, the present invention discloses a safety andconstruction trailer having a fixed safety wall and semi tractor hookupsat both ends.

BACKGROUND

Various types of barriers have long been used to protect roadconstruction workers from passing vehicles. For example, cones, barrelsand flashing lights have been widely used to warn drivers ofconstruction zones, but provide only limited protection to roadconstruction workers in the event a driver fails to take heed. Someconstruction projects routinely park a truck or other heavy constructionequipment in the lane between the construction zone and on-comingtraffic. This reduces the risk of worker injury from traffic in thatlane, but does little with regard to errant traffic drifting laterallyacross lanes into the construction zone. In addition, conventionalbarriers require significant time and effort to transport to the worksite, and expose workers to significant risk of accident while deployingthe barrier at the work site. Therefore, a need exists for a safetybarrier that can be readily transported to, and deployed at the worksite. In addition, the safety barrier should protect against lateralincursions by traffic from adjacent lanes, as well as traffic in thesame lane.

SUMMARY

These and other needs are addressed by the various embodiments andconfigurations of the present invention. In contrast to the prior art inthe field, the present invention can provide a safety trailer with afixed safety wall and semi tractor hookups at one or both ends.

In a first embodiment, a safety trailer includes:

(a) first and second removably interconnected platforms, at least one ofthe first and second platforms being engaged with an axle and wheels,the first and second platforms defining a trailer; and

(b) a plurality of wall sections supported by the trailer, the wallsections, when deployed to form a barrier wall, are positioned betweenthe first and second interconnected platforms

(c) wherein at least one of the following is true:

(c1) the trailer supports a ballast member, the ballast member beingpositioned near a first side of the trailer and the ballast member neara second, opposing side of the trailer, the ballast member offsetting,at least partially, a weight of the plurality of wall sections, and

(c2) the axle of the trailer is engaged with a vertical adjustmentmember, the vertical adjustment member selectively adjusting a verticalposition of a surface of the trailer.

In a second embodiment, a safety trailer includes:

(a) first and second platforms;

(b) a plurality of interconnected wall sections positioned between andconnected to the first and second platforms, the plurality of wallsections defining a protected work area on a side of the trailer;

(c) wherein each wall section has at least one of the followingfeatures:

(c1) a plurality of interconnected levels, each level comprising firstand second longitudinal members, a plurality of truss membersinterconnecting the first and second longitudinal members, and beingconnected to an end member;

(c2) a longitudinal member extending a length of the wall section, thelongitudinal member being positioned at the approximate position of abumper of a vehicle colliding with the wall section;

(c3) a plurality of full height and partial height wall members, thefull height wall members extending substantially the height and width ofthe wall section and the partial height wall members extendingsubstantially the width but less than the height of the wall section,the full height and partial height members alternating along a length ofthe wall section; and

(c4) first and second end members, each of the first and second endmembers comprising an outwardly projecting alignment member and analignment-receiving member, the first and second end members having thealignment and alignment-receiving members positioned in opposingconfigurations.

In a third embodiment, a trailer includes:

(a) a trailer body;

(b) a removable caboose engageable with the trailer body, the caboosehaving a nose portion and at least one axle and wheels; and

(c) a caboose receiving member, the caboose receiving member comprisingan alignment device, wherein, in a first mode when the caboose is movedinto engagement with the trailer body, the alignment device orients thecaboose with a king pin mounted on the trailer body and, in a secondmode when the caboose is engaged with the trailer body, the alignmentdevice maintains a desired orientation of the caboose with the trailer.

In a fourth embodiment, a safety system includes:

(a) a vehicle;

(b) first and second platforms;

(c) a barrier engaged with the first and second platforms, the barrierand first and second platforms forming a protected work space; and

(d) a caboose, wherein the vehicle and caboose are engaged with thefirst and second platforms, respectively, wherein the vehicle has amovable king pin plate engaged with a first king pin on the firstplatform, and wherein the caboose has a fixed king pin plate engagedwith a second king pin on the second platform.

In a fifth embodiment, a safety system includes:

(a) a vehicle;

(b) first and second platforms;

(c) a barrier engaged with the first and second platforms, the barrierand first and second platforms forming a protected work space; and

(d) a caboose, wherein the vehicle and caboose are engaged with thefirst and second platforms, respectively, wherein the vehicle andcaboose have braking systems that operate independently.

In a sixth embodiment, a trailer includes:

(a) first and second platforms;

(b) a barrier engaged with the first and second platforms, the barrierand first and second platforms forming a protected work space, whereinthe barrier is formed by a plurality of interconnected wall sections andwherein the interconnected wall sections slidably engage one another.

In a seventh embodiment, a trailer includes:

(a) first and second platforms;

(b) a barrier engaged with the first and second platforms, the barrierand first and second platforms forming a protected work space, whereinthe barrier is formed by a plurality of interconnected wall sections andwherein the interconnected wall sections telescopically engage oneanother.

In an eighth embodiment, a trailer includes:

(a) first and second platforms;

(b) a barrier engaged with the first and second platforms, the barrierand first and second platforms forming a protected area, wherein thebarrier is formed by a plurality of interconnected wall sections, andwherein at least one of the following is true:

(b1) a bottom of the barrier is positioned at a distance above a surfaceupon which the trailer is parked and wherein the distance ranges fromabout 10 to about 14 inches;

(b2) a height of the barrier above the surface is at least about 3.5feet; and

(b3) a height of the barrier from a bottom of the barrier to the top ofthe barrier is at least about 2.5 feet.

The present invention can provide a number of advantages depending onthe particular configuration.

In one aspect, the barrier (and thus the entire trailer) is of anyselected length or extendable, but the wall is “fixed” to the platformson one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to theright or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the semitractor attaches. This dual-ended, fixed-wall design thus can eliminatethe need for complex shifting or rotating designs, which are inherentlyweaker and more expensive, and which cannot support the visual barriers,lighting, ventilation and other amenities necessary for providing acomprehensive safety solution. The directional lighting andimpact-absorbing features incorporated at each end of the trailer and inthe caboose can combine with the fixed wall and improved lighting toprovide increased protection for both work crews and the public,especially with ever-increasing amounts of night-time construction. Endplatforms integral to the trailer's design can minimize the need forworkers to leave the protected zone and eliminate the need for separatemaintenance vehicles by providing onboard hydraulics, compressors,generators and related power, fuel, water, storage and portable restroomfacilities. Optional overhead protection can be extended out over thework area for even greater environmental relief (rain or shine). Thefixed wall itself can be made of any rigid material, such as steel.Lighter weight materials having high strength are typically disfavoredas their reduced weight is less able to withstand, without significantdisplacement, the force of a vehicular collision. The trailer can carryindependent directional and safety lighting at both ends and will workwith any standard semi tractor. Optionally, an impact-absorbing caboosecan be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor toprovide additional safety lighting and impact protection.

In one aspect, the trailer is designed to provide road maintenancepersonnel with improved protection from ongoing, oncoming and passingtraffic, to reduce the ability of passing traffic to see inside the workarea (to mitigate rubber-necking and secondary incidents), and toprovide a fully-contained, mobile, enhanced environment within which thework crews can function day or night, complete with optional power,lighting, ventilation, heating, cooling, and overhead protectionincluding extendable mesh shading for sun protection, or tarp coveringfor protection from rain, snow or other inclement weather.

Platforms can be provided at both ends of the trailer for hydraulics,compressors, generators and other equipment and supplies, includingportable restroom facilities. The trailer can be fully rigged withdirection and safety lighting, as well as lighting for the work area andplatforms. Power outlets can be provided in the interior of the workarea for use with construction tools and equipment, with minimal needfor separate power trailers or extended cords. Both the caboose and thecenter underside of both end platforms can provide areas for fuel, waterand storage. Additional fuel, water and miscellaneous storage space canbe provided in an optional extended caboose of like but lengtheneddesign.

In one aspect, the trailer is designed to eliminate the need forseparate lighting trucks or trailers, to reduce glare to traffic, toeliminate the need for separate vehicles pulling portable restroomfacilities, to provide better a brighter, more controlled workenvironment and enhanced safety, and to, among other things, betterfacilitate 24-hour construction along our nation's roadways. Otherapplications include but are not limited to public safety, portableshielding and shelter, communications and public works. Two or moretrailers can be used together to provide a fully enclosed inner area,such as may be necessary in multi-lane freeway environments.

With significant shifts to night construction and maintenance, thetrailer, in one aspect, can provide a well-lit, self-contained, andmobile safety enclosure. Historical cones can still be used to blocklanes, and detection systems or personnel can be used to provide noticeof an errant driver, but neither offers physical protection or more thansplit second warning for drivers who may be under the influence ofalcohol or intoxicants, or who, for whatever reason, become fixated onthe construction/maintenance equipment or lights and veer into or careenalong the same.

The trailer can provide an increased level of physical protection bothday and night and workers with a self-contained and enhanced workenvironment that provides them with basic amenities such as restrooms,water, power, lighting, ventilation and even some possibleheating/cooling and shelter. The trailer can also be designed to keeppassing motorists from seeing what is going on within the work area andhopefully facilitate better attention to what is going on in front ofthem. Hopefully, this will reduce both direct and secondary incidentsalong such construction and maintenance sites.

Embodiments of this invention can provide a safety trailer withsemi-tractor hookups at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to oneside of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right orleft side of the road, depending on the end to which the semi-tractorattaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer oppositethe tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection.Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection,lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators andother equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroomfacilities and other amenities.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of theinvention(s) contained herein.

As used herein, “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” areopen-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive inoperation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, Band C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “oneor more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B andC together.

It is to be noted that the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or moreof that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “atleast one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be notedthat the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be usedinterchangeably.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the invention to provide anunderstanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is neitheran extensive nor exhaustive overview of the invention and its variousembodiments. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elementsof the invention nor to delineate the scope of the invention but topresent selected concepts of the invention in a simplified form as anintroduction to the more detailed description presented below. As willbe appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possibleutilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features setforth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1E show a loaded trailer, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 2A-2C show a deployed protective wall, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3C show a wall section in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 4A-4H show a platform and its components in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5B show a caboose, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 6A-6G show a truck mounted attenuator attached to the cabooseshown in FIGS. 5A-5B;

FIG. 7 shows an interconnection member between a platform and a truckmounted attenuator;

FIG. 8 shows a forced air system, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 shows the loaded trailer, including a storage compartment;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of deploying a protectivebarrier;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method of balancing the weight ofa protective barrier;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of changing theorientation of a protective barrier/trailer;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of disassembling aprotective barrier and loading the component parts for transport;

FIGS. 14A-C are illustrations of a fixed wall protective barrier inaccordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15A-C are illustrations of a fixed wall protective barrier inaccordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 shows a configuration of the caboose according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17 shows a configuration of the caboose according to an embodiment;and

FIG. 18 shows a configuration of the caboose according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a mobile trafficbarrier. In one embodiment, the mobile traffic barrier includes a numberof inter-connectable wall sections that can be loaded onto a truck bed.The truck bed itself includes two (first and second) platforms. Eachplatform includes a king pin (not shown); the king pin providing aconnection between the selected platform and either a caboose or atractor. By enabling the tractor to hook at either end, the trailer canincorporate a rigid fixed wall that is open to the right or left side ofthe road, depending on the end to which the tractor is connected. Theside wall and the ends of the trailer define a protected work area forroad maintenance and other operations. The tractor and caboose mayexchange trailer ends to change the side to which the wall faces. Thedual-hookup, fixed-wall design can enable and incorporate compartments(in the platforms) for equipment and storage, onboard power forlighting, ventilation, and heating and/or cooling devices and powertools, and on-board hydraulics for hydraulic tools. The design can alsoprovide for relatively high shielding from driver views, and in general,a larger and better work environment, day or night.

Referring initially to FIG. 1A, a trailer in accordance with anembodiment is generally identified with reference numeral 100. Thetrailer 100 includes two (first and second) platforms 104 a,b and anumber of wall sections 108 a-c. As described in greater detail below,the wall sections 108 a-c are adapted to interconnect to each other andto the platforms 104 a,b to form a protective wall. In FIG. 1A, the wallsections 108 a,b are disconnected from each other and secured in astored position on top of the interconnected platforms 104 a,b. In thisposition, the trailer 100 is configured so that it may be transported toa work site. In the transport configuration illustrated in FIG. 1A, theplatforms 104 are bolted to each other to form a truck bed that isoperable to carry the wall sections 108 and other components.

In addition to the wall sections 108 a-c, the platforms 104 a,b carrytwo rectangular shaped ballast members 112 a,b, which are shown as boxesof sand. As will be appreciated, the ballast members can be any otherheavy material. The weights of ballast boxes 112 a,b counter balance theweights of the wall sections 108 a-c, when the wall sections 108 a-c aredeployed to form a protective barrier and when being transported atopthe platforms. The ballast boxes 112 a,b hold between about 5,000 and8,000 lbs. of weight, particularly sand. At 8,000 lbs., the ballastboxes 112 a,b counter balance three wall sections 108 a-c, when the wallsections are deployed or being transported. In one configuration, thewall sections 108 a-c weigh approximately 5,000 lbs. each.

The truck bed formed by the interconnected platforms 108 a,b isconnected at one end to a standard semi-tractor 116 and at the other endto an impact-absorbing caboose 120. Both of the platforms 108 a,binclude a standard king pin connection to the tractor 116 or caboose120, as the case may be. The caboose 120 may include an impact absorbingTrack Mounted Attenuator (“TMA”) 136, such as the SCORPION™ manufacturedby TrafFix Devices, Inc. In accordance with alternative embodiments, thecaboose 120 and/or tractor 116 may include a rigid connection to therear platform 104.

FIG. 1B shows a reverse side of the trailer 100 shown in FIG. 1A. Eachplatform 104 a,b includes at least one storage compartment 124. Thedoors 128 to the storage compartment 124 are shown in FIG. 1A. Thereverse perspective of FIG. 1B shows a rigid wall 132 forming the rearof the storage compartment 124.

FIG. 1C shows a rear view of the trailer 100. In FIG. 1C, the TMA 136 isshown in its retracted position. FIG. 1D shows a rear view of thetrailer 100 with the TMA 136 in a deployed position.

FIG. 1E shows a top plan view of the trailer 100. As can also be seen inFIGS. 1D and 1E, the trailer 100 includes three wall sections 108 storedon top of the platforms 104 a,b. Two of the wall sections 108 a,bnearest the right side of the trailer are positioned end-to-end, withone being positioned on top of each platform. The third wall section 108c is positioned between the wall sections 108 a,b and the ballast boxes112 and is approximately bisected by the longitudinal axis A of thetrailer (or the first and second platforms). Effectively, bysubstantially co-locating the longitudinal axis of the third wallsection 108 c with the longitudinal axis A of the trailer, the weight ofthe third wall section 108 c is effectively counter-balanced. The weightof ballast box 112 a therefore counterbalances effectively the firstwall section 104 a and ballast box 112 b counterbalances effectively thesecond wall section 104 b. The platforms 104 a,b are asymmetrical withrespect to the longitudinal axis A. Accordingly, the weights of theballast boxes can be greater than the weights of the wall sections tocounter balanced the asymmetrical portion of the platforms. The loadingof the trailer shown in FIG. 1E thus serves to balance the weight of thevarious trailer components with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, the trailer 100 is shown in its unloaded ordeployed configuration. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the wall sections 108a-c have been removed from their loaded positions on top of theplatforms 104 a,b and connected between the platforms 104 a,b to form aprotective barrier 200. This is accomplished by removing the wallsections 108 a-c, such as for example through the use of cranes or aforklift, and then disconnecting the two platforms 104 a,b from eachother. After the platforms 104 a,b have been disconnected, the platforms104 a,b are spatially separated and the wall sections 108 a-c are theninserted there-between. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the two ballast boxes112 a,b remain in place on top of the platforms 104 a,b. The ballastboxes provide a counter-balance to the weight of the wall sections 108a-c, which are disposed on the opposite side of the platforms 104 a,b.

FIG. 2A shows a view of the protective barrier 200 from the perspectiveof the protected work zone area. From the protected work zone, thestorage compartment doors 128 and other equipment are accessible. Theprotected work zone area 204 can seen in FIG. 2B, which shows a top planview of the protective barrier 200 shown in FIG. 2A. As can be seen, theprotective barrier creates a protected work area 204, which includes aspace adjacent to the wall sections 108 a-c and between the platforms104 a,b. The road or other work surface is exposed within the work zonearea 204. The work zone area 204 is sufficiently large for heavyequipment to access the work surface.

FIG. 2C shows the traffic-facing side of the protective barrier 200. Ascan be seen in FIG. 2C, the protective barrier 200 presents a protectivewall 208 proximate to the traffic zone. The protective wall 208 includesthe rigid wall 132 and number of wall sections 108 a-c, which areinterconnected to the two platforms 104 a,b. The bottoms of the wallsections 108 a-c are elevated a distance 280 above the roadway 284.FIGS. 5A-B additionally show a portion of the caboose 120, whichinterconnects to and is disposed underneath a selected one of theplatforms 104 a,b. The wheels of the caboose 120, in the deployedposition of the trailer 100 shown in FIG. 2C, are covered with a pieceof sheet metal 212. During transport, this piece of sheet metal 212 canbe disconnected from the platform 104 and positioned in a stowed manneron top of one of the platforms 104.

Although stands 290 are shown in place at either end of the protectivebarrier 200 and may be used to support individual wall sections 108 ofthe barrier 200, it is to be understood that no stands are required tosupport the barrier 200. The barrier 200 has sufficient structuralrigidity to act as a self-supporting elongated beam when supported oneither end by the tractor 116 and caboose 120. This ability permits thebarrier 200 to be located simply by locking the tractor and caboosebrakes and relocated simply by unlocking the brakes, moving the barrier200 to the desired location, and relocking the brakes of the tractor andcaboose. Requiring additional supports or stands to be lowered as partof barrier 200 deployment can not only immobilize the barrier 200 butalso increase barrier rigidity to the point where it may cause excessdamage and deflection to a colliding vehicle and excess ride down andlateral G forces to the occupant of the vehicle.

The wall section height is preferably sufficient to prevent a vehiclecolliding with the barrier 200 from flipping over the wall section intothe work area and/or the barrier 200 from cutting into the collidingvehicle, thereby increasing vehicle damage and lateral and ride-down Gforces to vehicular occupants. Preferably, the height of each of thewall sections is at least about 2.5 feet, more preferably at least about3.0 feet, even more preferably at least about 3.5 feet, and even morepreferably at least about 4.0 feet. Preferably, the height of the top ofeach wall section above the surface of the ground or pavement 284 is atleast about 3.5 feet, more preferably at least about 4 feet, even morepreferably at least about 4.5 feet, and even more preferably at leastabout 5 feet.

The protective wall or barrier 200 may additionally include attachmentmembers 216 operable to interconnect a visual barrier 220 to theprotective wall 200. A visual barrier 220 in accordance with embodimentsis mounted to the protective wall 200 and extends from the top of theprotective wall 200 to approximately four feet above the wall 200. Thevisual barrier 220 is interconnected to attachment members 216, such aspoles, which are interconnected to the wall 200. In accordance with anembodiment, the attachment members 216 comprise poles which extend 10feet upwardly from the wall section 200. Each pole may support a 6 lb.light head at the top which generates over 3,000 alums of light. Thepoles may additionally provide an attachment means for the visualbarrier 220. While attached to the poles, the visual barrier 220 extendsapproximately 4 feet upwardly from the protective wall 200.

The visual barrier 220 provides an additional safety factor for the workzone 204. Studies have shown that a major cause of highway trafficaccidents in and around work zone areas is the tendency for drivers to“rubber-neck” or look into the work zone from a moving vehicle. In thisregard, it is found that such behavior can lead to traffic accidents. Inparticular, the “rubber-necking” driver may veer out of his or hertraffic lane and into the work zone, resulting in a work zone incursion.The present invention can provide a structurally rigid wall 200 thatprevents incursion into the work zone 204, as well as a visual barrier220 which discourages this, so called, “rubber necking” behavior.

Studies have indicated that people are drawn to lights and distractions,and that they tend to steer and drive into what they are looking at.This is particularly hazardous for construction workers, especiallywhere cones and other temporary barriers are being deployed onmaintenance projects. Studies also indicate that lighting and equipmentmovement within a work zone are important factors in work site safety.Significant numbers of people are injured not only from errant vehiclesentering the work zone, but also simply by movement of equipment withinthe work area. The trailer can be designed not only to keep passingtraffic out of the work area, but also to reduce the amount of vehiclesand equipment otherwise moving around within the work area.

In terms of lighting, research indicates more is better. Currentlighting is often somewhat removed from the location where the work isactually taking place. Often, the lighting banks are on separate cartswhich themselves contribute to equipment traffic, congestion andaccidents within the job site.

These competing considerations of motorists, at night, steering towardslights and roadside workmen being safer at night with more lighting canbe satisfied by the trailer. The trailer can use the light heads 270 toprovide substantial lighting where it is needed. If the work moves, thelighting moves with the work area, rather than the work area moving awayfrom the lighting. Most importantly, the safety barrier—front, back andside—can move along too, providing simple but effective physical andvisual barriers to passing traffic. Referring to FIGS. 2B and 2C, thelight heads 270 positioned along the barrier 200 have a direction ofillumination that is approximately perpendicular or normal to thedirection of oncoming traffic. This configuration provides not only lessglare to oncoming motorists but also less temptation for motorists tosteer towards and into the barrier 200.

FIGS. 2A-2C show the protective barrier 200 deployed for use inconnection with a work-zone area. The design of the support members andthe traffic facing portion of the protective barrier 200, serve toprovide a safe means for mitigating the effects of such a collision. Inparticular, the barrier 200 can re-direct the impacted moving car downthe length of the protective wall 208. Here, the moving car is notreflected back into traffic. Further incidents are prevented by notreflecting the moving car back from the mobile barrier into other cars,thereby enhancing safety not only of the driver of the vehicle collidingwith the barrier but also of other drivers in the vicinity of theincident. The inherent rock/roll movement in the tractor 116 and trailer(caboose) springs and shocks assist dissipation of shock from vehicularimpact. In addition, by deflecting the moving vehicle down the length ofthe protective wall 208, the work zone 200 is prevented from sustainingan incursion by the moving vehicle, thereby enhancing safety of workers.

A number of factors are potentially important in maintaining thisdesirable effect. Firstly, the protective barrier 204 is maintained in asubstantially vertical position. This is accomplished through aballasting system and method in accordance with an embodiment. Inparticular, the wall sections 108 are balanced in a first step with theballast boxes 112. In a following step, a more precise balancing of theprotective barrier 200 position is achieved through a system of movablepistons associated with the caboose 120. This aspect of the invention isdescribed in greater detail below. Second, the structural design of thewall sections 108 serve to provide optimal deflection of an incomingcar. Finally as shown in FIG. 2B, the protective wall or barrier 200 issubstantially planar and smooth (and substantially free of projections)along its length to provide a relatively low coefficient of friction toan oncoming vehicle. As will be appreciated, projections can redirectthe vehicle into the wall and interfere with the wall's ability todirect the vehicle in a direction substantially parallel to the wall.

Turning now to FIG. 3A, an individual wall section 108 is shown inperspective view from the traffic side of the wall section 108. As canbe seen in FIG. 3A, the wall section 108 includes a wall skin portion300, which faces the traffic side of the protective barrier 200 and issmooth to provide a relatively low coefficient of friction to acolliding vehicle. The wall skin 300 is adapted to distribute the forceof the impact along a broad surface, thereby absorbing substantially theimpact. As additionally can be seen in FIG. 3A, the wall section 108includes a first end portion or wall end member 304 a. The first endportion 304 a includes a conduit box 308, a number of bolt holes 312, aprotruding alignment member, which is shown as a large dowel 316 a, andan alignment receiving member, which is shown as a small dowel receiverhole 320 a. As will be appreciated, the alignment member can have anyshape or length, depending on the application. The first end portion 304a of the wall section 108 is adapted to be interconnected to a secondend portion 304 b of an adjacent wall section 108 or platform 104. Asecond end portion 304 b can be seen in FIG. 3B, which shows theopposite end 304 b of the wall section 108 shown in FIG. 3A, including aprotruding small dowel 316 b and a large dowel receiver hole 320 b. Foreach wall section 108, the large dowel 316 a disposed on the top of thefirst end portion 304 a is operatively associated with a large dowelreceiver hole 320 b in the second end portion 304 b of an adjacent wallsection 108 or platform 104. Similarly, the small dowel 316 b on thesecond end portion 304 b is operatively associated with the small dowelreceiver hole 320 a in the first end portion 304 a of an adjacent wallsection 108 or platform 104. Additionally, the wall sections 108 areinterconnected through a screw-and-bolt connection using the bolt holes312 associated with the wall ends 304. The conduit box 308 isadditionally aligned with an adjacent conduit box 308, providing a meansfor allowing entry and pass-through of such components as electricallines, air hoses, hydraulic lines, and the like.

In FIG. 3B, a portion of the wall skin 300 is not shown in order toreveal the interior of the wall section 108. As can be appreciated, sucha partial wall skin 300 is shown here for illustrative purposes. As canbe seen in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the wall section 108 includes three bracingsections 324 a-c vertically spaced equidistant from one another. Each ofthe bracing sections 324 includes two opposing horizontal beams 328 a-b,with the free ends being connected to the adjacent wall end member 304a,b. The two horizontal beams 328 a-b are interconnected with angledsteel members 332 to form a truss-like structure. The wall section 108includes three bracing sections: the first bracing section 324 a beingat the top, the second bracing section 324 b being at the middle and thethird bracing section 324 c being at the bottom. Additionally, the wallsection 108 includes a number of full-height vertical wall sections 336a,b, the wall end members 304 a,b, and a number of partial-heightvertical wall sections 340 a-c. As shown in FIG. 3A, the full-heightwall sections 336 a,b and partial-height wall sections 340 a-calternate. Additionally, it can be seen that the angled steel members332 intersect at points where the partial-height wall 340 or full heightwall 336 section, as the case may be, meets the horizontal beam 328 a,b,which, on one side, faces the traffic side of the wall section 108.Additionally, the wall section includes a fourth horizontal member 344.Unlike the structural members 328 and 336 which are preferablyconfigured as rectangular steel beams, this fourth horizontal member 344is configured as a steel C-channel beam. The C-channel is preferablypositioned substantially at the height of a car or SUV bumper. In use,the bottom of the wall section 108 sits approximately eleven inches offof the ground, and the fourth horizontal member 344 sits approximatelytwenty inches off of the ground.

The wall sections 108 constructed as described and shown herein arespecifically adapted to prevent gouging of the wall as a result of animpact from a moving car. In particular, gouging as used herein refersto piercing or tearing or otherwise drastic deformation of the wallsection, which results in transfer of energy from a moving car into themobile barrier 200. As described herein, by deflecting the car down thelength of the protective wall 200, a desirable amount of energy isabsorbed by the wall and therefore not transferred to other portions ofthe protective wall 200. It is additionally noted that the floating kingpin plate of the standard trailer 116 provides a shock absorbing effectfor impacts which are received by the protective wall 200. The shockabsorbing effect of the trailer's 116 floating king pin plate 500 iscomplemented by fixed king pin plate associated with the caboose 120(which is discussed below).

In accordance with an embodiment, the dimensions of the various trailerand wall components vary. By way of example, the length of each wallsection 108 preferably ranges from about 10 to 30 feet in length, morepreferably from about 15 to 25 feet in length, and more preferably fromabout 18 to 22 feet in length. The width of each of the wall sectionspreferably ranges from about 18 to 30 inches, more preferably from about22 to 28 inches, and more preferably from about 23 to 25 inches. Theheight of each of the wall sections 108 preferably ranges from about 3to 4.5 feet, more preferably from about 3.75 to 4.25 feet, and morepreferably from about 3.9 to 4.1 feet. It should be noted that theseheight ranges and distances measure from the base of a wall section 108to the top of the wall section 108 and do not include the wall section'sheight when it is displaced with respect to the ground. In use, the wallsection 108 typically is disposed at a predetermined distance from theground. In particular, this distance preferably ranges from about 10 to14 inches, more preferably from about 11 to 13 inches, and morepreferably from about 11.5 to 12.5 inches. In accordance with anembodiment, a wall section is approximately 20 feet long, 24 incheswide, 4 feet high as measured from the base of the wall section to thetop of the wall section and, when deployed, disposed at a distance of 12inches from the ground.

The beams 328 a and 328 b span the length of the entire wall section. Inaccordance with an embodiment, the horizontal beams 328 a and 328 bmeasure from about 3-5 inches by about 5-7 inches, more preferably fromabout 3.5 inches to 4.5 inches by 5.5 inches to 6.5 inches, and evenmore preferably are about 4 inches by 6 inches. In accordance with anembodiment, the longer dimension of the beam is disposed in thehorizontal direction. For example, with 4.times.6 beams, the 4-inchdimension is disposed in the vertical direction and the 6-inch dimensionin the horizontal direction. In this embodiment with three sets ofhorizontal beams, the bottom and middle beams are separated by about 18inches and the middle and the top beams also by about 18 inches. In thisconfiguration, the total height of the wall section is 4 feet. In otherportions of the mobile barrier 200, the orientations of the horizontalbeams may differ. In particular, the longer 6 inch dimension may be inthe vertical direction, and the shorter 4 inch dimension may be in thehorizontal direction. In accordance with an embodiment, this orientationfor the horizontal beams is implemented in connection with the platforms104.

The wall skin 300 may be comprised of a single homogeneous piece ofsteel that is welded to the wall section 108. The wall skin 300 ispreferably between about 0.1 and 0.5 inch thick, more preferably betweenabout 0.2 and 0.4 inch, and even more preferably approximately 0.25inches thick. These dimensions are also applicable to the partial-heightand full height wall members 340, 336. The wall end portions or plates304 b and 304 a are preferably between about 0.25 and 1.25 inch thick,more preferably between about 0.5 and 1 inch thick, and even morepreferably are about 0.75 inch thick.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment where the wall sections 108are approximately 20 feet in length, a work space area 204 is definedwhen these wall sections are deployed that measures approximately 80feet in length. In particular, the three wall sections total 60 feet inaddition to 10 feet on each side of additional space provided by theinterior portions of the platforms 104.

Referring again to FIG. 3C, a wall section 108 may include a number ofattaching devices, which provide a means for interconnecting variousauxiliary components to the wall section 108. In particular, a wallsection 108 may include an attachment member mounting 348, operable tomount an attachment member 216, such as a pole. The attachment membermounting shown in FIG. 3C includes a lever which, through a quarterturn, is operable to lock the light pole in place. A pole may be used tomount a light in connection with using the wall barrier duringnight-time hours. As can be appreciated in such conditions, the workarea will be required to be illuminated. Such illumination can beaccomplished by light poles and corresponding lights which are mountedto the wall section. The light poles, lights and other auxiliarycomponents may be stored in the storage compartments 124.

The wall section 108 additionally may include attachments for jackstands 352. The jack stands 352 provide a means for supporting the wallsection 108 at the above-mentioned height of approximately eleven inchesfrom the ground.

The wall section 108 may additionally include, so called, “glad handboxes” (not shown), which provide means for accessing 12, 110, 120, 220,and/or 240 volt electricity. In accordance with the embodiments, theprotective barrier 200 includes an electric generator and/or one or morebatteries (which may be recharged by on-board solar panels) providingelectricity which is accessible through the glad hand box and isadditionally used in connection with other components of the protectivebarrier 200 described herein. The generator and/or the batteries mayadditionally be stored the storage compartments 124, and the batteriesused to start the generator and support electronics when the generatoris turned off or is not operational.

The wall section 108 may be comprised of, or formed from, any suitablematerial which provides strength and rigidity to the wall section 108.In accordance with embodiments, the beams of the wall section are madeof steel and the outer skin of the wall section is made from sheets ofsteel. In accordance with alternative embodiments, the wall section 108is made from carbon fiber composite material.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a side perspective view of a platform 104 isshown. In FIG. 4A the platform is resting on a jack stand 352.Additionally, the outline of the caboose 120 is shown in FIG. 4A. Withthe caboose 120 attached, the platform 104 shown in FIG. 4A wouldcorrespond to the rear of the protective barrier 200 and/or the rear ofthe loaded trailer 100. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the platform includesa king pin 400. The king pin 400 provides an interconnection between theplatform 104 and the caboose 120. The king pin 400 is disposed on theunderside of the platform 104 in a position that allows the king pin 400to connect with a standard floating king pin plate associated with asemi-tractor 116 or a fixed king pin plate associated with the caboose120. In this way, either the caboose 120 or the semi-tractor 116 may beconnected to the platform 104 using the king pin 400. A nose receiver404 portion of the platform 104 provides a means for receiving the end,or nose portion of the caboose 120. This aspect of the invention isdescribed in greater detail below.

In FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C, two opposed platforms 104 are shown with acentral external cover plate of the central portions of the platformsbeing removed to show the structural members while the ballast boxexternal support plates are in position, in FIG. 4D, a platform is shownwith all exterior cover plates removed, and in FIG. 4G a platform isshown with all external cover plates in position. As can be seen, thefirst end 408 of the platform 104 is wider than the second end 412 ofthe platform 104. Here, the platform 104 includes support members 421for supporting the king pin (not shown), a sloping plate 428 forreceiving the nose portion of the caboose, a flat plate assembly 422positioned above and supporting the jack stands 423, and a sloped ornarrowing section 416, which slopes from the larger, first-end 408width, to the smaller, second-end 412 width. This sloped portion 416 ofthe platforms 104 includes the storage compartment 124. The twosecond-ends 412 of the platform 104 are adapted to be interconnected toeach other. The two first-ends 408 of the platform 104 are adapted tointerconnect to either the tractor 116 or the caboose 120, as describedabove. As can be seen in FIG. 4D, the platform 104 includes two sidechannels 420 a-b. Typically, the channel 420 a proximate to the workzone is adapted to receive a ballast box 112, both in the mobile and thedeployed positions.

FIGS. 4D, 4E, and 4F further show the structural members of each of theplatforms. The platforms are identically constructed but are mirrorimages of one another. The traffic-facing, or elongated, side 460 of theplatform 104 includes upper, middle, and lower horizontal structuralmembers 464, 468, and 472. The upper, middle, and lower horizontalstructural members are at the same heights as and similar dimensions tothe upper, middle, and lower horizontal beams 328, respectively. Themembers 464, 468, and 472, unlike the beams 328, are oriented with thelong dimension vertical and the shorter dimension horizontal. Byorienting the members differently from the beams, the need for a membersimilar to the fourth horizontal member 344 is obviated. The upperstructural member 464 is part of an interconnected framework ofinterconnected members 476, 480, 484, 488, 490, and 492 defining theupper level of the platform. Lateral structural members 494 providestructural support for the ballast boxes, depending on where they arepositioned, and lateral members 496 provide further structural supportfor the upper level and for the king pin and other cabooseinterconnecting features discussed below. The first end of the lowerstructural member attaches to a corner member 497 and second ends of theupper and lower structural members to the second end member 498. At thelevel of the lower structural member 472, lower structural members 473,474, 475, and 477 define the lower level of the platform. Additionalvertical and corner members 478, 479, and 481 attach the lower and upperlevels of the platform and horizontal support member 483 interconnectscorner members 497 and 481 and vertical members 478 and 479. The lowerlevel further includes lateral members 475 and elongated member 477 toprovide further structural support for the lower level and providesupport for the bottom of the storage compartment.

In FIGS. 4G and 4H, portions of the platform 104 are shown, whichinclude the underside of a platform 104. As can be seen in FIG. 4E, theplatform 104 includes a king pin 400 disposed substantially in alignmentwith a longitudinal axis 405 bisecting a space 407 defined by the nosereceiver portion 404. The nose receiver portion 404 includes two angledcomponents 424 a,b as well as a downwardly facing deflection plate 428.FIG. 4H shows, in plan view, the components 424 a,b, each of whichincludes a straight portion 409 a,b and angled portion 411 a,b. Thespace 407 between the angled portions is in substantial alignment withthe king pin 400.

As the caboose 120 is backed into the space underneath the platform 104,the king pin 400 is received in a king pin receiver channel 524 (FIG. 5)in a fixed king pin plate on the caboose 120, and the nose of thecaboose is received in the nose receiver 404 portion of the platform104. The nose receiver portion 404, namely the angled portions of thecomponents 424 a,b and sloped deflection plate 428, guide the an angledfront-nose portion 520 (FIG. 5) of the caboose as the caboose is broughtinto position underneath the platform 104 to align the king pin with theking pin receiver channel 524 (FIG. 5). In particular, the two angledcomponents 424 operate to provide lateral guidance for the position ofthe caboose 120. Here, the two angled components 424 ensure that theking pin 400 is received in the king pin receiver channel 524 associatedwith the caboose 120. The downwardly facing deflection plate 428 exertsa downward force on the nose 520 of the caboose that results in the rearof the caboose 120 raising up to engage the rear of the platform 104.The interconnection between the caboose 120 and the rear of the platform104 is described in greater detail below.

In FIG. 5A, a side perspective view of the caboose 120 is shown. Asshown in FIG. 5A, the caboose 120 includes the fixed king pin plate 500.The king pin plate 500 includes a king pin receiver channel 524 providedat the end of the plate 500. This pin receiver channel 524 is adapted toreceive the king pin 400 and provides a locking mechanism for lockingthe caboose 120 to the end of the platform 104. In addition, the caboose104 includes a vertical adjustment member, which is shown as movablepneumatically or hydraulically actuated piston 508 (as can be seen inFIG. 4A), disposed on each side between the two wheels of the caboose120. Although a piston is shown, it is to be understood that anysuitable adjustment member may be used, such as a mechanical liftingdevice (e.g., a jack or crank). The movable piston 508 is associatedwith a piston cylinder and is interconnected to a top 512 portion and abottom portion 516 of the caboose 120. The bottom portion 516 provides amounting for the wheel axles as well as the wheel suspension. Themovable piston 508, as described in greater detail below, is operable tobe inflated, thereby adjusting the height of the selected, adjacent sideof mobile barrier 200. More specifically, the movable piston 508 movesthe caboose 120 off of its suspension or leaf springs.

In FIG. 5A, a side perspective view of the caboose 120 is shown. As canbe seen in FIG. 5B, the fixed king pin plate 500 includes the king pinreceiver channel 524. The king pin receiver channel 524 includes afront, wide portion 528, which leads into a rear, narrow portion 532, asthis king pin receiver channel 524 allows the caboose 120 to bepositioned properly while the caboose is being backed into andunderneath the platform 104. In this regard, the nose 520 of the caboose120 is additionally received in the nose receiver portion 404, disposedon the underside of the platform 104. This aspect of the presentinvention is described in greater detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 58B, an additional side perspective view of thecaboose 120 is shown. In FIG. 5B, the king pin plate 500 is shownremoved from the caboose 120. As can be seen in FIG. 5B, underneath theking pin plate 500, the caboose 120 includes a number of air cylinders536. These air cylinders 536 are associated with a standard ABS brakingsystem and operate independently of the braking system of the tractor116. As described in greater detail below, the air cylinders 536 can belocked by an auxiliary mechanism associated with the caboose 120 to holdthe caboose 120 in place. The auxiliary mechanism may be adjusted toallow the brakes to be engaged and the caboose 120 held in place even ifthe caboose 120 is disconnected from the platform 104. This mechanismadditionally provides a means for inflating and deflating the movablepiston 508 disposed on either side of the caboose 120.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 8 depict the removable attachment mechanism betweenthe caboose and the platform. The caboose includes permanently attachedfirst and second pairs 580 a,b of opposing attachment members 584 a,b.Each attachment member 584 a,b in the pair 580 a,b has matching andaligned holes extending through each attachment member. In FIG. 8, firstand second pairs 804 a,b of attachment members 808 a,b are permanentlyattached to the platform. Each attachment member 808 a,b in the pairincludes matching and aligned holes extending through the attachmentmember 808. When the caboose is in proper position relative to theplatform, the holes in the attachment members 584 a,b and 808 a,b arealigned and removably receive a pin 802 having a cotter pin or key 810to lock the dowell 802 in position in the aligned holes of each set ofengaged pairs of attachment members 580 and 804.

An embodiment includes a truck mounted crash attenuator, orequivalently, a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA). Referring again to FIG.1A, a truck mounted attenuator 136 is shown interconnected to thetrailer 100 at the caboose 120. In FIG. 1A, the truck mounted attenuator136 is shown in a retracted position. The truck mounted attenuator 136includes a first portion 140 and a second portion 144. In the retractedposition, the first portion 140 is positioned substantially verticallyand supports the weight of the second portion 144, which is held in asubstantially horizontal position over the caboose 120. A movableelectronic billboard 148 and light bar 150 (which can provide a selectedmessage to oncoming traffic) is located underneath the second portion144 of the truck mounted attenuator 136.

The deployment of the truck mounted attenuator 136 and the electronicbillboard and light bar 148 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6G. As shown inFIG. 6A through FIG. 6F, the truck mounted attenuator 136 is extendedand lowered into a position wherein both the first portion 140 and thesecond portion 144 are substantially horizontal and proximate to theground. As shown in FIG. 6G, the electronic billboard 148 and light bar150 are then raised. Referring to FIG. 7, the TMA 136 is typicallybolted by a bracket 700 to the caboose 120. The TMA is thus readilyremovable simply by unbolting the TMA from the vertical plate of thebracket 700. Additionally, the bracket 700 and associated componentsprovide a means for attaching the electronic billboard 148 and light bar150 to the caboose 120. The bracket 700 is mounted to provide adesirable height for the truck mounted attenuator in its deployedposition, more specifically, approximately ten to eleven inches off ofthe ground. The bracket 700 is additionally mounted to providevisibility of the caboose brake lights and other warning lightsassociated with the trailer 100. In FIG. 1C, a rear view of the loadedtrailer 100 is illustrated. As shown herein, the truck mountedattenuator 136 is raised into its tracked position. As can be seen, thebrake lights 152 of the caboose 120 are visible underneath the truckmounted attenuator 136. A beacon 156 is also visible, despite thepresence of the truck mounted attenuator 136. The beacon 156 provides avisual indication of an end portion of the trailer 100. As with thecaboose 120, the truck mounted attenuator 136 may be associated witheither of the two platforms 104 and thereafter either end of thetrailer.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a forced air system 800 in accordance with anembodiment is shown. The forced air system 800 includes two leverattenuators 804 operable to lock the brakes of the caboose 120independently of the brakes of the tractor 116. As used herein, lockingthe brakes includes disconnecting or disabling the automatic brakesystem, typically associated with the caboose 120. Here, the brakes areforced into a locked position, thereby locking or preventing movement ofthe caboose 120. Also shown in FIG. 8 is a knob 808 operable to controlthe inflation and/or deflation of the moveable pistons 508. As describedabove, the pistons 508 are used to provide a finer grade verticaladjustment of the balancing of the protective barrier 200 by verticallylifting or lowering a selected side of the caboose and interconnectedplatform. In other words, inflating the piston on a first side of thecaboose lifts the first side of the platform relative to the second sideof the platform and vice versa. In accordance with embodiments, the airprovided to the pistons 508 is delivered from an air supply associatedwith the trailer 116 and not from an air compressor.

The interconnection between the platform 104 and the king pin plate 500is illustrated in FIG. 8. A removable pin interconnects the platform tothe caboose. The pin is removable, and may be locked in place withattachment member 802.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a loaded trailer 100 is shown from the workarea-side of the trailer 100. As shown herein, the wall sections 108 areloaded on top of the platforms 104 and the platforms 104 areinterconnected. As described above, this loaded position corresponds toan arrangement of the various components, which can be used to transportthe entire system. As shown in FIG. 9, the platform includes a storagecompartment. Various auxiliary components described herein are stored inthis storage compartment 124. As can be seen in FIG. 9, such components,as the light poles 900, the corresponding lights themselves 904, thevisual barrier 220, as well as various electrical components, are showninside of the compartment. For example, FIG. 9 includes an onboardcomputer 908 and a generator 912. In this configuration or in thedeployed configuration, various lines 916, such as electrical lines orair lines, may run along the length of a wall section 108 through thevarious adjacent conduit boxes 308.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a flow chart is shown which illustrates thesteps in a method of deploying a mobile barrier in accordance with anembodiment. Initially at step 1004, the trailer arrives at a worksite.At step 1008, the wall sections 108 are unloaded from the trailer bed.This may be done with the use of cranes, a fork lift, and/or other heavyequipment operable to remove and manipulate the weight associated withthe wall sections 108. At step 1012, the platforms 104 are disconnectedfrom each other. More particularly, the bolt connections thatinterconnect the platforms 104 are removed. At step 1016, the platforms104 are separated. Here, the brakes of the caboose 120 may be locked andthe disconnected platform portion of the trailer 116 attached to thetractor 116 may be driven away from the location of the caboose 120 andits attached platform. A dolly or castor wheel may be connected to theend of the platform 104 to provide mobility for the portion of theplatform 104 attached to the tractor 116, thereby allowing the platformto move into position to be engaged with the end wall section.Alternatively, a first platform connected to the tractor 116 ispositioned at the desired location before disconnection of theplatforms. Jacks attached to the first platform are lowered intoposition with the roadway. The platforms are then disconnected, with thesecond platform being supported by the caboose. A forklift or othervehicle is used to move the second platform into position for connectionwith the wall sections. In any event at step 1020, the platforms 104 andwall sections 108 are interconnected to form a protective barrier 200.At this point a continuous protective barrier 200 is formed from thevarious components of the trailer. Next, a number of steps or operationsmay be employed. At step 1024, it may be determined that the protectivebarrier 200 must be balanced. More particularly, the weight of theprotective barrier 200 must be adjusted such that the protective barrier200 wall comes into a substantially vertical alignment. If no balancingof the protective barrier 200 is needed, work may be commenced withinthe protected area 204 of the protective wall 200. At step 1028, it maybe determined that the direction or orientation of the protectivebarrier 200 may need to be changed. This may be done by jacking thesecond platform, disconnecting the caboose, and reversing the positionsof the tractor 116 and caboose 120. Alternatively, the jack stands maybe retracted and the truck, while the wall sections are deployed,driven, while attached to the barrier, to a new location. At step 1032,work may be completed and the protective barrier 200 may then bedisassembled for transport.

Turning now to FIG. 11, a method of balancing a protective barrier 200(step 1024) is illustrated. This method assumes that the ballast boxesare not adequate to counter-balance completely the deployed barrier. Atstep 1104, the protective barrier 200 or wall is inspected to determinewhether or not the wall is disposed at a substantially verticalorientation. This can be done using a manual or automatic leveldetection device. If at decision 1108 the wall is substantiallyvertical, step 1112 follows. At step 1112 the process may end. If atdecision 1108, it is determined that the wall is not substantiallyvertical, step 1116 follows. At step 1116, one or more of the pistoncylinders 508 are inflated or deflated to provide a counter balance tothe weight of the protective barrier 200 and desired barrier 200orientation.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method of changing directions for the protectivebarrier 200. Initially, at step 1204, the caboose-engaging platform isplaced on jack stands and thereafter the caboose is disconnected fromthe platform to which it is attached. At step 1208, the caboose is towedout from underneath the platform 104. Here, the caboose 120 may beconnected to or otherwise attached to a tractor, forklift, or pickuptruck, which is operable to tow the caboose 120. At step 1220, thetractor-engaging platform is placed on jack stands and the tractor 116is disconnected from the platform 104 to which it is attached. At step1216, the tractor 116 is driven out from underneath the platform 104. Atstep 1220, the positions of the caboose 120 and tractor 116 areinterchanged. At 1224, the caboose 120 is positioned underneath andconnected to the platform 104 to which the tractor 104 was formallyattached. As described above, this includes a nose receiver portion 404,providing guidance to the caboose 120 in order to guide the king pin 400into the king pin receiver channel 532 associated with the king pinplate. At step 1228, the tractor 116 is positioned with respect to andconnected to the platform 104 to which the caboose 120 was formallyattached.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a method of loading a trailer in accordancewith embodiments is illustrated. Initially at step 1304, the platforms104 and wall sections 108 are placed on jack stands and disconnectedfrom one another. This includes removing the bolt connections whichinterconnect the opposing faces of the platforms 104 and/or wallsections 108. At step 1308, the platforms 104 are brought together. Asdescribed above, this includes interconnecting a castor or dolly wheelto at least one platform end and driving the platform 104 in thedirection of the opposing platform. Alternatively, the platform engagingthe caboose is taken off of its jack stands and maneuvered by a vehicleto mate with the other, stationary platform. At step 1312, the platforms104 are interconnected by such means as bolting the platforms together.At step 1316, the wall sections 108 are loaded onto the truck bed.Because the ballast boxes typically do not counter-balance precisely theloaded wall sections and vice versa, the piston cylinders 508 areinflated or deflated, as desired, to provide a level ride of thetrailer. Finally, at step 1320, the trailer 100 departs from theworksite. In one configuration, castor or dolly wheels may be put oneach of the two platforms so that, when they are disconnected from endwall sections of the barrier, the first and second platforms may bemoved into engagement with and connected to one another. The wallsections may then be disconnected from one another and loaded onto theconnected platforms.

The above discussion relates to a mobile barrier in accordance with anembodiment that includes a number of interconnectable wall sections,which are, in one configuration placed on the surface of a truck bed. Ina second configuration, these wall sections are removed from the truckbed and interconnected with portions of the trailer to form a protectivebarrier. In this way, a fixed wall is formed that provides protectionfor a work area. The present invention can provide a non-rotating wallthat is deployed to form the protective barrier. Alternative embodimentsof a fixed wall mobile barrier are illustrated in FIGS. 14A-C and FIGS.15A-C.

FIGS. 14A-C illustrate a “sandwich” type extendable protective wall. Asshown in FIG. 14A, the mobile barrier 1400 includes two platforms 104and three interconnected wall sections 1404 a, 1404 b and 1404 c. FIG.14A illustrates a contracted or retracted position wherein the wallsections 1404 a-c are disposed adjacent to one another in a “sandwichposition”. FIG. 14B illustrates an intermediate step in the deploymentof the mobile barrier 1400. Here, the platforms 104 are moved away fromeach other and the sandwiched wall sections extended. From thisintermediate position, the sections 1404 a and 1404 c move forward to aposition adjacent to the forward position of the wall section 1404 a. Inaccordance with embodiments, the wall sections 1404 a-c are disposed onsliding rails which allow the displacement shown in FIG. 14B-C.Additionally between wall sections 1404 a and 1404 a (similarly 1404 band 1404 c) an articulating mechanism is provided, which allows motionbetween the adjacent wall sections. FIG. 14C shows the final position ofthe mobile barrier 1400. Here, the various wall sections 1404 a-c andthe platforms 104 provide a continuous mobile barrier included aprotected work space.

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate a telescoping type protective wall system 1500.FIG. 15A shows a retracted, or closed, position of the protectivebarrier 1500. The protective barrier includes opposing platforms 104.The protective barrier in this embodiment includes two wall sections,the first wall section 1504 encloses the second wall section 1508 in thecontracted position shown in FIG. 15A. In the intermediate positionshown in FIG. 15B, the second wall section 1508 is extended outward fromthe first wall section 1504 in a telescopic manner. In the finalposition shown in FIG. 15C, the second wall section 1508 moves forwardto a position adjacent to the first wall section 1504. In the finalposition shown in FIG. 15C, the first wall section 1504, second wallsection 1508 and portions of the two platforms 104 form a continuousprotective barrier including protective interior space.

A number of alternative caboose embodiments will now be discussed.

Referring to FIG. 16, the caboose 1600 has one or more steerable orarticulating axles 1604 a,b or wheels 1608 a-d to avoid a selected area1612, such as a work area containing wet concrete. The wheels 1608 a-dare turned to a desired orientation, which is out of alignment with thetractor 116 tires, so that, when the trailer is pulled forward by thetractor 116, the trailer moves both forward and laterally out ofalignment with the path of movement of the tractor 116. This may beeffected in many ways. In one configuration, steering arms (not shown)are attached to the axles 1604, and the arms are controlled byelectrically operated hydraulic cylinders incorporated into the cabooseframe assembly. The caboose axles are turned out when pulling ahead tomore quickly move the rear of the trailer out and away from the area1612. Once the tractor and trailer are out of alignment with the area1612, the axles are returned, such as by the hydraulics, to theiroriginal positions in alignment with the tractor wheels. The electronicscontrolling the hydraulics are controlled from the tractor cab or aspecial switch assembly located in the caboose or on the trailer nearthe caboose. Alternatively, the axles or wheels may be steered manually,such as by a steering wheel mounted on the platform or caboose. The noseportion of the caboose remains stationary in the members 404 a,b, or thecaboose does not rotate about the kingpin but remains aligned with thelongitudinal axis of the trailer throughout the above sequence.

Referring to FIG. 17, the caboose 1700 articulates or rotates about theking pin 400. One or more electrically driven hydraulic cylinders at thefront of the caboose laterally displaces the nose 1704 in a desiredorientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. When thecaboose is rotated to place the wheels 1708 a-d in a desiredorientation, which is out of alignment with the tractor 116 tires, thetractor pulls the trailer forward. The trailer moves both forward andlaterally out of alignment with the path of movement of the tractor 116.The hydraulics then push the nose of the caboose to the aligned, ornormal, orientation in which the wheels of the caboose are in alignmentwith the wheels of the tractor. The hydraulic cylinder(s) can beconnected directly to a front pivot (not shown) or incorporated into thenose portion or the current “V” wedge assembly, which includes themembers 404 a,b. In the latter design, the members 404 a,b are mountedon a movable plate, and the hydraulic cylinder(s) move the plate to adesired position while the nose portion 1704 is engaged by, orsandwiched between, the members 404 a,b. Unlike the prior cabooseembodiment, the caboose rotates about the kingpin and does not remainaligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer throughout the abovesequence.

Referring to FIG. 18, the caboose 1800 has an elongated frame witharticulated steering on one or more axles 1804 a-c, with the rear axle1804 a being preferred. When only the rear axle is steerable, the axle1804 a is steered, as noted above, to place the wheels 1808 a,b in thedesired orientation. After the caboose is rotated to place the wheels1808 a,b in a desired orientation, which is out of alignment with thetractor 116 tires, the tractor pulls the trailer forward. The trailerrotates about the king pin 400 and moves both forward and laterally outof alignment with the path of movement of the tractor 116. The wheels1808 are then moved back into alignment with the wheels of the tractor.Like the prior embodiment, the caboose rotates about the kingpin anddoes not remain aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailerthroughout the above sequence. To make this possible, the nose portionof the caboose may need to be removed from engagement with the members404 a,b, such as by moving a movable plate, to which the members areattached, away from the nose portion.

In another embodiment, the caboose is motorized independently of thetractor. An engine is incorporated directly into the caboose to provideself-movement and power. In one configuration made possible by thisembodiment, the platforms could engage simultaneously two cabooses witha TMA positioned on each caboose to provide crash attenuation at bothends of the trailer. One or both of the cabooses is motorized. This isparticularly useful where the trailer may be on site for longer periodsand needs only nominal movement from time-to-time, such as at gates, forspot inspection stations, or for security and/or military applicationswhere unmanned and/or more protected movement is desired.

In other embodiments, the caboose is attached permanently to theplatform. In this embodiment, different tractor/trailers, that aremirror images of one another, are used to handle roadside work areas ateither side of a roadway.

The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components,methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depictedand described herein, including various embodiments, sub combinations,and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how tomake and use the present invention after understanding the presentdisclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments, includesproviding devices and processes in the absence of items not depictedand/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including inthe absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices orprocesses, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/orreducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intendedto limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In theforegoing Detailed Description for example, various features of theinvention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed inventionrequires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the followingclaims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with eachclaim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of theinvention.

Moreover, though the description of the invention has includeddescription of one or more embodiments and certain variations andmodifications, other variations and modifications are within the scopeof the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge ofthose in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It isintended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to theextent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalentstructures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or notsuch alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publiclydedicate any patentable subject matter.

1. A safety trailer, comprising: (a) first and second platforms, atleast one of said first and second platforms having an axle and wheelsattached thereto; (b) a plurality of interconnected wall sectionspositioned between and connected to the first and second platforms, theplurality of wall sections defining a protected work area on a side ofthe trailer; (c) and wherein each wall section has a plurality of fullheight and partial height wall members, the full height wall membersextending substantially the height and width of the wall section and thepartial height wall members extending substantially the width but lessthan the height of the wall section, the full height and partial heightmembers alternating along a length of the wall section.
 2. The trailerof claim 1, wherein the trailer supports a ballast member, the ballastmember being positioned near a first side of the trailer and theplurality of wall sections near a second, opposing side of the trailer,the ballast member offsetting, at least partially, a weight of theplurality of wall sections.
 3. The trailer of claim 2, wherein theballast member is on a first side of a longitudinal axis of the trailerand the plurality of wall sections on a second opposing side of thelongitudinal axis.
 4. The trailer of claim 1, wherein the at least oneaxle is engaged with a vertical adjustment member, the verticaladjustment member selectively adjusting a vertical position of a surfaceof the trailer.
 5. The trailer of claim 4, wherein the adjustment memberis at least one of a hydraulically and pneumatically adjustable piston.6. The trailer of claim 1, wherein the interconnected wall sectionsslidably engage one another.
 7. The trailer of claim 1, wherein theinterconnected wall sections telescopically engage one another.